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Fiji campaigners draw attention to homophobia and transphobia

Updated
Thu 16 May 2013, 9:38 AM AEST

A campaigner in Fiji says while some progress has been made to recognise the rights of homosexuals and transsexuals, discrimination remains an issue.

Fiji is marking the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which commemorates the World Health Organisation's landmark decision on May 17, 1990 to withdraw the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder from the International Classification of Diseases.

This will be the third year that the Drodrolagi Movement, also known as dro-Mo, has organised week-long activities to advocate a culture of equality, respect, dignity and pride for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community in Fiji.

Drodrolagi Movement spokesman Kris Prasad has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat Fiji has taken steps to recognise the rights of homosexuals and transsexuals.

"In Fiji, we removed the sodomy laws in 2010 and...we have some policies in place in terms of workplace and other human rights protection," he said.

However, widespread discrimination still exists in the Fijian community.

"A lot of people are facing discrimination in their families, workplaces and (there are) also cases of bullying," he said.

"There is a lot of discrimination from the state as well, especially when it comes to access to security services, as in getting access to police, and getting access to health services."

The movement has been holding rainbow chalking events throughout the week to raise public awareness.

"Due to the public environment we live in, we can't really be chalking in public spaces so what we've been doing is chalking in organizations that are supportive of our movement," Prasad said.

A peace vigil and a peace party will also be held to draw attention to the issue of homophobia and transphobia in the community.